Update 12/27/2019
The Meross app on my Android phone gets confused. If you open the garage door using the regular door button or wireless remote, the open/close display on the Meross goes out of sync and shows the door open when it is closed and vice versa. To get the Meross app status back in sync, you have to operate the door using the non-WiFi device (button or wireless remote). Even though it's out of sync, the Meross app still works, but displays an error (door open/close failed) and the icon on the app does not display the correct door status. Alexa also performs properly when the Meross app is out of sync, but you have to repeat the Alexa voice command. Alexa incorrectly says the door opened on the first command. The door will open when the voice command is repeated. Once the Meross app is back in sync, everything functions normally. Not sure why this is happening. It's not a deal killer, but it is frustrating. I still recommend the product, but I'm hoping future app updates will resolve the issue.
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I'm not quite sure why I bought this item. I guess I'm on a smart home quest and I scored an excellent deal on Amazon. With the on-line coupon at checkout, the unit cost $30 (list price is ~$50).
Before receiving the device, I viewed all the installation videos. They were very helpful, but Meross has updated the WiFi controller box so that you don't have to open it up to attach the power, sensor, and signal control wires. It's all done for you. The strangest thing is that the unit is now powered by USB (don't worry, it comes with an AC adapter plug).
The first thing you should do before venturing into the garage is to get the unit connected to your network using the Meross app and then linking it to the Alexa voice assistant, if that's what you use (more about Alexa below).
Installation was difficult, but that is not the fault of Meross. My detached garage is not heated so I was shivering in 30° temperatures. The most challenging part of the install was attaching the signal control cable to the Liftmaster motor. There were already a couple of wires attached to terminals, so fitting the control cable was a major chore that was made worse by my shivering cold hand trying to get the screw driver in the screw slot (hey, Meross, put on wire spade connectors!). Note that as long as the existing wire connections are maintained, all the other devices that control the door opener (wireless remote, door buttons, etc.) are fully functional. Once that onerous task was completed, the rest of the installation was reasonably fast. Positioning the door sensors was a little tricky, but the sensors seem to be quite forgiving in sensitivity (placement of the sensors will be different depending on your garage door). The only thing remaining to be done is dressing the wires a bit more neatly when the weather warms up.
A few words about integration with Alexa. The garage door opener is categorized as a "Lock" in the Alexa device settings. Makes no sense, but there it is. The voice commands are: "unlock garage" (or whatever you named the device in the Meross app) to open the door. Alexa will then query you for a four digit security code that you will have previously entered in the Alexa app (I've not discovered a way to bypass this). To close the garage door, the command is "lock garage". No security code is required to close the door. This is the main gripe I have. The Alexa integration is awkward and unintuitive. I like simplicity and having brief, logical voice commands. Unfortunately, Alexa and/or Meross have some work to do. Perhaps future updates will address this kludgy interface. It would be really nice if Meross products were supported directly by Alexa to bypass the Meross app.
Despite the installation and integration issues, I highly recommend this product. It works as advertised (so far, anyway; I've only been using it for a few days). Meross seems to have its act together (I have six of their smart plugs that have worked wonderfully over the past year). Their product pricing, at least through Amazon, is highly competitive and the quality seems excellent. I'm hoping this garage door opener holds up. I will update this review to reflect future developments.
| Manufacturer | meross |
|---|---|
| Part Number | MSG100 |
| Item Weight | 8.1 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 3.7 x 1.8 x 0.9 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | MSG100 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | white |
| Style | MSG100 |
| Material | ABS |
| Pattern | Remote |
| Power Source | ac |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Installation Method | Self-Adhesive |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 1 |
| Switch Style | Remote |
| Special Features | No subscription fees or advertising, APP and voice control |
| Usage | remote control garage door |
| Included Components | Smart Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 1 year |
